Vehicle: 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, VIN [[redacted]], approximately 52014 miles. Purchased Certified Pre-Owned in 2017. All maintenance performed at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. On [redacted], during a routine B-Service at Mercedes-Benz of Easton ([[redacted]]), the technician found that the rear subframe (rear axle carrier) was rusted and perforated. The corroded area is located directly above the rear control arm. The technician stated on a recorded inspection video that the corrosion would continue to...
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spread around that area until the control arm disconnects, and described it as a safety hazard. He recommended replacement of the part. Photos and video (technician shared video link - [[redacted]]) were taken during the inspection and are available. I was not notified of any corrosion in this area during previous dealer services, and the vehicle showed no symptoms that I noticed before this inspection. I am concerned that a structural suspension mounting component has corroded through on a vehicle of this age, and that if the control arm separates from the subframe, it could cause loss of control. I am reporting this so that NHTSA can determine whether it is a wider problem on this model. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)